Treatment T1 Research Articles

Impact of Gibberellic Acid and Growth Stimulants on Productivity Metrics of Kagzi Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)

Background: Acid lime is a nutrient-intensive crop and it needs sufficient mineral nutrition for healthy growth and development and there was a need to study the effect of GA3 and growth-promoting chemicals as a nutrient source for acid lime cv. Kagzi trees. The reason to undertake this research was based on the impact of GA3 and growth-inducing chemicals on better nutrient supplementation, quick nutrient intact, better photosynthates translocation and carbohydrates mobilization and its effect on production parameters in acid lime cv. Kagzi trees. Methods: A field trial was carried out at the Fruit Instructional Farm, Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture and Forestry, Jhalawar between June 2023 and December 2023 in a 15-year-old established orchard of acid lime cv. Kagzi. The trial was set up following a randomized block design with three replications. It involved the application of nine different treatments through foliar spraying, which included GA3 and various growth-promoting chemicals such as KNO3, thiourea and salicylic acid. Result: According to the findings of the current study, the foliar application of T4 treatment (GA3 @ 100 mg/l + KNO3 @ 2%) proved to be more successful in enhancing the production parameters of acid lime cv. Kagzi. The application of T4 treatment comprising GA3 @ 100 mg/l + KNO3 @ 2 % resulted in the shortest time to initiate flowering (40.05 days), the briefest flowering period (53.79 days), the highest number of flowers per shoot (144.66), the greatest fruit set percentage (69.08%) and the highest fruit retention percentage (47.37%). The foliar application of treatment T4 (GA3 @ 100 mg/l + KNO3 @ 2%) proved to be the most successful in increasing the fruit count per tree (448.00), fruit weight (70.00 g) and yield (31.35 kg/tree) in Kagzi acid lime trees.

Effect of Recommended and Graded Doses of Biochar with and without ZMB Biofertilizer and Zinc on the Growth Attributes of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 at the Students' Instructional Farm, Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture and Technology, Kumarganj Ayodhya, to assess the impact of graded doses of biochar, varying fertility levels, and the addition of biofertilizers and zinc on rice cultivation under partially reclaimed sodic soils. Nine treatments were applied, including combinations of recommended doses of fertilizers (RDF), biochar (5 t ha⁻¹ and 2.5 t ha⁻¹), biofertilizer (ZMB), and zinc sulphate (ZnSO₄) in a randomized block design with three replications. The treatments were: T1 (Control), T2 (100% RDF), T3 (50% RDF), T4 (50% RDF + 5 t ha⁻¹ biochar), T5 (50% RDF + 5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB), T6 (50% RDF + 5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB + ZnSO₄), T7 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar), T8 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB), and T9 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB + ZnSO₄). The rice variety NDR 2065 was used as the test crop. Growth parameters such as plant height, dry matter accumulation, root length, root volume, number of tillers, and panicle length were evaluated. The results showed that the treatment T9 (100% RDF + 2.5 t ha⁻¹ biochar + ZMB + ZnSO₄) produced the highest growth and quality parameters, indicating a significant improvement in rice performance. The study suggests combining biochar, biofertilizers, and zinc under reduced fertilizer levels can enhance rice growth and productivity in sodic soils, offering a sustainable approach to soil fertility management.

Enhancing Growth and Yield of Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.): Influence of Organic Manure and Inorganic Fertilizer Applications

The indiscriminate use of inorganic fertilizers depletes soil fertility and reduces crop yields. Limited information exists on nutrient management for Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.). A field experiment conducted from 2016-17 to 2019-20 at Rahuri (MS) evaluated the effects of organic manure and inorganic fertilizer levels on Tulsi yield. The randomized block design (RBD) experiment included 12 treatments combining chemical fertilizers (N:P2O5:K2O) at three levels (30:20:10, 40:30:20, and 50:40:30 kg ha⁻¹) with or without farmyard manure (FYM) at 5 or 10 t ha⁻¹, alongside FYM-only and control treatments. The results showed that, the treatment T9 (50:40:30 kg ha⁻¹ + FYM 10 t ha⁻¹) significantly improved plant height, branches per plant, fresh and dry herbage yield, and soil nutrient status (N, P, and K) over the control. T9 also achieved the highest economic returns with a superior B:C ratio, closely followed by T8 (40:30:20 kg ha⁻¹ + FYM 10 t ha⁻¹). This study concludes that combining higher inorganic fertilizer levels with FYM (10 t ha⁻¹) optimizes growth, yield, and soil fertility in Tulsi cultivation.

The Influence of Ceramsite and Superphosphate on Humification in the Composting Process of Garden Wastes

This study used ceramsite and superphosphate as exogenous additives for composting garden wastes. It investigated the changes in temperature, pH, lignocellulose, enzyme activity, humic substrates, and humification parameters during the composting process. A total of four treatments—T0 (CK), T1 (ceramsite), T2 (superphosphate), and T3 (superphosphate + ceramsite)—were tested in a 50-day composting experiment. It was found that the formation of the compost humic substrate could be increased to 14.69% under the action of ceramsite. In addition, ceramsite promoted lignocellulose degradation, improved enzyme activity, and enhanced the material conversion in the composting process. At the same time, superphosphate also promoted the formation of humic substrates in compost but was less effective than ceramsite. Ceramsite is the best additive in promoting compost maturation.

Biological management of stem rot of clusterbean under <i>in vitro </i>and <i>in vivo </i>conditions

Trichoderma harzianum and T. viride demonstrated significant inhibition of Sclerotium rolfsii mycelial growth, with 63.62 and 57.12 per cent inhibition, respectively. In contrast, bacterial bio-agents Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis showed lower efficacy (42.31 and 38.56% inhibition, respectively). Garlic extract demonstrated the highest efficacy across all concentrations, with 66.67, 68.61 and 75.19 per cent inhibition at 5, 10 and 15% concentrations, respectively. Panchgavya, a cow product, showed promising results, with 34.81, 53.06, and 74.96 per cent inhibition at 5, 10, and 15% concentrations, respectively. Treatment T3 [Seed treatment with (T. harzianum + P. fluorescens) @ (5 g + 5 g) kg-1 + Soil application of (T. harzianum + P. fluorescens) @ (5 kg + 5 kg) ha-1] consistently emerged as the most effective, showing high disease control and low incidence rates with highest seed and straw yield. Combinations of bio-agents and bio-products exhibited superior disease control, with cow urine and cow dung-based treatments showing promise for organic disease management in clusterbean cultivation. Treatment T10 [Seed treatment with cow dung + Foliar application of Buttermilk] was least effective and consistently yielded the minimum seed and straw across all treatments.

Multiplex yield enhancers and their effect on growth, yield, and pest and disease incidence of potato crop

The effect of different multiplex yield enhancers was studied on the growth and yield parameters of potatoes, it worked variably at different stages of the crop. The treatment T10 which includes a recommended dosage of fertilizer, organic manures, essential nutrients, and biostimulants has shown a positive effect in increasing the plant height (36.00 cm, 46.67 cm, and 48.33 cm), number of branches/ plant (5.89, 7.56, and 10.22), number of leaves/ plant (65.78, 82.78 and 98.44) and numbers of tubers/ plant (at 30,60 and 90DAP). The treatment T15 has reported the highest yield/ plant and hectare (0.54 kg and 17.86 t/ha respectively) because of the foliar application at the reproductive phase. Whereas the treatment included Biojodi has recorded the lowest pest and disease incidence. As potatoes are a nutrient-exhaustive crop, combining Organic and inorganic sources of nutrient management would be helpful over chemical fertilizers.

Estratégias para a fixação e desenvolvimento de frutos da mangueira ‘Keitt’ cultivada no semiárido

ABSTRACT: The mango tree presents a high level of fruit abscission, which is increased in semiarid regions due to environmental stress. The use of biostimulants and phytoregulators has shown to be a promising strategy to improve fruit setting. Thus, the present study defined the best strategy for setting and development of the fruit, with the application of phytoregulators and biostimulants on the ‘Keitt’ mango tree, cultivated in the São Francisco Valley. Two experiments were performed. In experiment 1, a randomized block design was used, with four treatments T1: control, T2: gibberellic acid (AG3) + 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), T3: AG3 + 2,4-D+Benzyladenine, T4: Biostimulant + CoMo® (sources of cobalt and molybdenum). In experiment 2, the factorial scheme (2 ×3 + 1) distributed in randomized blocks was established, corresponding to two forms of potassium fertilization (recommended and adjusted), three gibberellin concentrations (0, 10 and 20 mg L-1) and additional treatment (control - recommended potassium fertilization and no setting strategy). The variables analyzed include the relative number of fruits, the number of fruits for domestic and foreign markets, productive potential, production, productivity, fruit volume, fruit mass, and the yield of peel, pulp and stone. The application of 10 mg L-1 AG3 + 10 mg L-1 2,4-D + 10 mg L-1 Benzyladenine in full flowering of the ‘Keitt’ mango tree, increased the setting and the production of the fruit. Regardless of fertilization, sequential applications at 10 or 20 mg L-1 of AG3 proved to be an effective strategy to produce ‘Keitt’ mango tree. Adjusted potassium fertilization and the application at 10 mg L-1 of AG3 promotes the production of fruits with greater mass and volume.

Impact of chia seed protein hydrolysate and apple pomace pectin on the properties of egg-free mayonnaise.

This study investigates the properties of egg-free mayonnaise prepared using chia seed protein hydrolysate (CSPH) and pectin extracted from apple pomace (PA) as alternatives to egg, comparing it to traditional egg-based mayonnaise. Chia seed protein was hydrolyzed using Protamex and Bromelain enzymes, while apple pectin was extracted through acid hydrolysis at 90°C. Four mayonnaise treatments were prepared: T1 (control: 6% egg), T2 (4% egg+1% CSPH+1% PA), T3 (2% egg+2% CSPH+2% PA), and T4 (0% egg+3% CSPH+3% PA). The physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties of the mayonnaise samples were evaluated. The CSPH produced with the Protamex enzyme exhibited a higher protein content and greater degree of hydrolysis (P<0.05), establishing it as a suitable egg substitute. Replacing egg with CSPH and PA resulted in increased acidity, physical and thermal stability, viscosity, firmness, and adhesiveness of the mayonnaise, while reducing lightness, pH, and overall sensory scores. Treatments T3 and T4 demonstrated superior overall properties compared to other treatments; however, T3 received the highest sensory scores. These findings suggest that pectin and hydrolyzed protein can effectively replace egg in mayonnaise production, offering a viable alternative for individuals with egg allergies and those seeking healthier options.

A comparative study of radiofrequency and microwave heating on functional and bioactive constituents of rice bran

Rice bran can serve as both a food ingredient and a source of oil to meet the increasing demands. However, the lipase enzyme present in bran comes into contact with fat during milling process and causes hydrolysis of fats to free fatty acids (FFAs) and glycerol leading to the development of hydrolytic rancidity which is responsible for off-flavour development during storage. Therefore, the present investigation was carried out with the objective to study the effect of stabilization methods on functional and bioactive constituents of rice bran. The rice bran samples were adjusted at three different moisture levels viz., 18, 21 and 24 % and treated at three different exposure times viz., 160, 200 and 240 seconds using radiofrequency and microwave heating, respectively. Results revealed that highest mean water absorption capacity of 199.20 g per100g, fat absorption capacity of 91.80 g per100g and emulsifying capacity of 37.72 g per 100g were recorded in treatment T4 while as highest foaming capacity of 74.96 g per 100g was recorded in treatment T1. During storage the overall mean water absorption capacity and emulsifying capacity decreased while as fat absorption capacity and foaming capacity increased significantly. The antioxidant activity and total phenols increased with both microwave and radiofrequency heating but decreased during storage. The highest overall mean antioxidant activity of 87.85 per cent radical scavenging activity and total phenols of 5.68 mg GAE per g were observed in treatment T4 while as T1 recorded lowest values for antioxidant activity (83.62 % radical scavenging activity) and total phenols (3.62 mg GAE/g).The overall mean free fatty acid and peroxide value decreased with both microwave and radiofrequency heating from 49.90 to 3.96 per cent as oleic acid and 63.39 to 5.84 meq per kg, respectively. During storage the overall mean free fatty acid and peroxide value showed an increasing trend. Based on overall nutritional characteristics and stability, radiofrequency heating was found more effective than microwave stabilization.

Effect of Stocking Density of Labeo rohita (Rohu) for the Production of Stunted Yearling in Cage Culture Conditions

The present experiment evaluated the Optimization of Labeo rohita (Rohu) stocking density for the production of stunted yearling in cage culture conditions. Fingerlings were stocked at three different stocking densities i.e., 100, 200 and 300 (T1, T2, and T3, respectively) and reared for 180 days in cage culture condition. Water quality and growth parameters of all treatments were compared during the experiment. A significant (p&lt;0.05) decrease in growth and survival concentration relative to the higher stocking density was observed. Though some of the parameters showed significant (p&lt;0.05) differences among the treatments, the water quality remained within an optimum level, throughout the experiment. An increase in stocking density led to a significant reduction (p&lt;0.05) in ABW and survival of fingerlings. Treatment T1 (100 nos/cage) recorded significantly higher growth than treatment T2 (200 nos/cage) and treatment T3 (300 nos/cage) of both locations during all the years. Among the treatments, T1 recorded significantly higher values of body weight (38.12 g) as compared to T2 (30.87 g) and T3 (27.19 g) but treatment T3 (27.19 g) was at par with T2 (30.87 g). Treatment T1 recorded higher average body weight at both locations during all the years 2013-14 (L1-31.30g and L2-35.98g), 2014-15 (L1-30.91 g and L2- 60.23 g) and 2015-16 (L1-26.37 g and L2-43.93 g) as well as in pooled results (L1-29.53 g and L2-46.72 g) as compared to rest of the treatments. The fish survival data revealed that at both locations and during all the years, there was little variation. As per the survival rate in different treatments, T3 is found most economical.

Enhancing the Productivity and Economic Feasibility of Transplanted Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Through Foliar Application of Nano Fertilize

One of the world's most important field crops, rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a staple diet for millions of people and is ranked second only to wheat. In Asia, rice consumption is projected to increase by over 51% by 2025 compared to the base year 1995. To sustain the growing population while considering environmental health, soil health, and the economic well-being of farmers, nano fertilizers could serve as an ideal alternative to traditional chemical fertilizers. Keeping this in mind a field experiment was conducted during the Kharif season of 2019-2020 at the Main Experimental Station of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture &amp; Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.), to evaluate the impact of foliar application of nano fertilizers on transplanted rice. The experiment aimed to compare different fertilizer treatments on rice productivity, nutrient uptake, and economic returns. Six treatments were tested, including T₀ (Control), T₁ (100% NPK &amp; 100% Zinc application - RDF), T₂ (50% N, 100% P &amp; K + 2 sprays of Nano Nitrogen), T₃ (0% Zn, 100% NPK + 2 sprays of Nano Zinc), T₄ (50% N &amp; 0% Zn, 100% P &amp; K + 2 sprays of Nano N mixed with Nano Zn), and T₅ (50% N &amp; 0% Zn, 100% P &amp; K + 2 sprays of Nano N mixed with Nano Zn &amp; Nano Cu), arranged in a Randomized Block Design with four replications. The results revealed that the highest grain yield was recorded in T₅, which involved the foliar application of Nano Nitrogen (Nano N), Nano Zinc (Nano Zn), and Nano Copper (Nano Cu) with 50% nitrogen (N) and 0% zinc (Zn), along with 100% phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). This treatment produced a yield that was statistically comparable to T₄ (50% N &amp; 0% Zn, 100% P &amp; K + 2 sprays of Nano N mixed with Nano Zn) and T₃ (0% Zn, 100% NPK + 2 sprays of Nano Zinc). Treatment T₅ also yielded the highest gross return (Rs. 119,841 ha⁻¹), net return (Rs. 64,711 ha⁻¹), and benefit-cost ratio (2.17). Additionally, the nitrogen (%), phosphorus (%), potassium (%), copper (%), and zinc (ppm) contents in both the grain and straw were significantly higher under T₅. These findings suggest that the foliar application of Nano N, Nano Zn, and Nano Cu in combination with reduced nitrogen and zinc can enhance nutrient uptake and improve the overall productivity and profitability of rice cultivation in central Uttar Pradesh.

Bioconversion of coir ETP sludge: An eco-friendly path to circular economy

The accumulation of sludge from Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) in coir industries has become a serious concern, raising critical questions about the eco-friendly management of large volumes of coir industry ETP sludge in coir-producing countries like India. This study aimed to explore a viable solution for bioprocessing the sludge and assess its potential as a soil amendment. Based on the C: N ratio and the initial characteristics of the ETP sludge, cow dung, and poultry manure were identified as potential amendments for sustainable bioconversion. The mixture was inoculated with TNAU Biomineralizer, a specialized culture that aids in decomposition. The bioconversion experiment used six treatment combinations (T1 to T6) to monitor nutrient transformations. Compost from treatment T6 (50% Sludge + 25% Poultry Manure + 25% Cow Dung + TNAU Biomineralizer) exhibited a significant improvement in nutrient content. The efficacy of the composted sludge was further assessed through a pot culture experiment using the Amaranthus variety CO 6, where different proportions of the composted sludge were applied alongside recommended agricultural practices. The results revealed that treatment T8 (100% Composted Sludge + Silica Solubilizing Bacteria) and the recommended package of practices combined with 100% Composted sludge significantly enhanced growth parameters, including root length, shoot length, and the number of leaves, outperforming other treatments. This study highlights that the bioconversion of coir industry ETP sludge with organic amendments and TNAU Biomineralizer offers a sustainable and eco-friendly solution, presenting a promising approach to advancing the circular economy.

Influence of Extraction Techniques on the Physicochemical Characteristics and Industrial Applications of Chayote (Sechium edule) Tuber Starch

This study investigates the effect of different starch extraction methods properties of chayote (Sechium edule) tuber starch. Chayote, a tuberous plant rich in starch, was subjected to both physical and chemical extraction methods, with treatments including water, sodium hydroxide, and sodium metabisulfite. The study evaluated for particle size, bulk density, flow ability, pH, amylose, amylopectin content, water and oil absorption capacity, and starch paste clarity. Starch clarity was highest in treatments using sodium metabisulfite, with clarity values up to 73.26%, high clarity, suitable for transparent applications. Treatment T7, which used sodium metabisulfite, yielded the highest amylopectin content (70.46%), making it flexible and ideal for applications requiring low retrogradation, ensuring long-term stability in food products and other applications. such as edible coatings. The study concludes that chayote tuber starch shows great potential for industrial applications such as in coatings, baked goods, thickening agents, and biodegradable packaging materials, with the extraction method significantly affecting its physical and chemical properties. Treatment T7 is recommended for optimal starch yield, clarity, and amylopectin content, making it suitable for use in coatings and food formulations requiring flexibility and stability. These results are also important for producing innovative and sustainable products, providing options to traditional starch sources and encouraging the use of underutilized crops like chayote.

Economics of Fieldpea (Pisum sativum L.) as Influenced by Phosphorus Levels and Bio-fertilizers in Central Plains of Uttar Pradesh, India

A field experiment was conducted at the student instructional farm of CSAUA&amp;T, Kanpur, during the Rabi season of 2021-22 and 2022-23. Sandy loam was the texture of the experimental soil. There are twelve treatment involving combinations of phosphorus and biofertilizers with three replication of factorial randomized block design (FRBD). A fieldpea variety IPFD 6-3 was planted according to recommended agronomic practices. The results of these studies indicate that fieldpea cultivation over a two-year period is consistent with T12 (P90 R1 PSB1), the most economically effective treatment and also recorded the highest economics parametric values i.e., maximum cost of cultivation of ₹39006 &amp; ₹39751, gross return of ₹ 106055 &amp; ₹118535, net return of ₹67049 &amp; ₹ 78784 and benefit to cost ratios were 1.72 &amp; 1.98 followed by the treatment T11.

Effect of nutrient omission plot technique based nutrient management in rabi rice (Oryza sativa) on crop productivity, nutrient uptake and soil health

A field experiment was conducted at M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture’s post-graduate research farm in Gajapati, Odisha, during the rabi season of 2021–22 and 2022–23 to investigate the influence of nutrient omission plot technique (NOPT) based nutrient management on performance of rabi rice. The trial was laid in randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatment comprised of seven nutrient management practices, viz. T1, N120P60K60Zn05S25; T2, N0P60K60Zn05S25; T3, N120P0K60Zn05S25; T4, N120P60K0Zn05S25; T5, N120P60K60Zn0S25; T6, N120P60K60Zn05S0 and T7, absolute control. The treatment T1 resulted the significant highest plant height, dry-matter accumulation (1282.2 g/m2), leaf area index, tillers/m2 (287.6), panicle/m2 (206.2), spikelets/panicle (149.7), filled grains/panicle (124.1), panicle length and grain yield (4.89 t/ha). The significant highest amount of total N (99.4 kg/ha) and Zn uptake (781.9 g/kg) was noticed under T1 as compared to the other treatments. The maximum total P (30.3 kg/ha) and total S uptake (27.1 kg/ha) was recorded under T1 which was statistically at par with T5 and significantly higher than remaining treatments, respectively. Similarly, treatment T1 also resulted significant highest amount of total K uptake (125 kg/ha) followed by T5 and T6. Thus, the conjoint application of N120P60K60Zn05S25 is a viable and suitable alternative technology for sustainable rice production in Orissa or other similar ecoregions.

Effect of nutrient omission plot technique based nutrient management in rabi rice (Oryza sativa) on crop productivity, nutrient uptake and soil health

A field experiment was conducted at M.S. Swaminathan School of Agriculture’s post-graduate research farm in Gajapati, Odisha, during the rabi season of 2021–22 and 2022–23 to investigate the influence of nutrient omission plot technique (NOPT) based nutrient management on performance of rabi rice. The trial was laid in randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatment comprised of seven nutrient management practices, viz. T1, N120P60K60Zn05S25; T2, N0P60K60Zn05S25; T3, N120P0K60Zn05S25; T4, N120P60K0Zn05S25; T5, N120P60K60Zn0S25; T6, N120P60K60Zn05S0 and T7, absolute control. The treatment T1 resulted the significant highest plant height, dry-matter accumulation (1282.2 g/m2), leaf area index, tillers/m2 (287.6), panicle/m2 (206.2), spikelets/panicle (149.7), filled grains/panicle (124.1), panicle length and grain yield (4.89 t/ha). The significant highest amount of total N (99.4 kg/ha) and Zn uptake (781.9 g/kg) was noticed under T1 as compared to the other treatments. The maximum total P (30.3 kg/ha) and total S uptake (27.1 kg/ha) was recorded under T1 which was statistically at par with T5 and significantly higher than remaining treatments, respectively. Similarly, treatment T1 also resulted significant highest amount of total K uptake (125 kg/ha) followed by T5 and T6. Thus, the conjoint application of N120P60K60Zn05S25 is a viable and suitable alternative technology for sustainable rice production in Orissa or other similar ecoregions.

Influence of organic sources of nutrient on mungbean performance in South-eastern Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 at the organic farming block of the Agricultural Research Station, Ummedganj, Agriculture University, Kota (Rajasthan), to study the effects of organic sources of nutrient on mungbean growth and yield in the mungbean-wheat cropping system of southeastern Rajasthan. The experiment included eight treatments: T1 , Absolute control; T2 , 100% N by farm yard manure (FYM) + cow urine @ 10% spray at 15, 30, and 45 days after sowing (DAS); T3, 100% N by FYM + panchagavya @ 5% spray at 15, 30, and 45 DAS; T4 , 75% N by FYM + 25% N by vermicompost + vermiwash @ 10% spray at 15, 30, and 45 DAS; T5 , 50% N by FYM + 50% N by vermicompost + vermiwash @ 10% spray at 15, 30, and 45 DAS; T6 , 75% N by FYM + jeevamrut @ 500 liters/ha at sowing + vermiwash @ 5% spray @ 15, 30, and 45 DAS; T7 , 100% N by FYM + NPK consortia of biofertilizers + Zinc solubilising bacteria (ZSB) each @ 62.5 ml/kg seed inoculation + amrita sanjeevani @ 500 liters/ha at sowing, 15 and 30 DAS and 75% N by FYM + NPK consortia of biofertilizers @ 62.5 ml/kg seed inoculation + sasyagavya @ 10% spray at 15, 30, and 45 DAS (T8 ). The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with 3 replications. The 2-years pooled results showed that the treatment T5 produced significantly higher values for plant height (54.62 cm), number of branches/plant (9.65), total number of effective nodules/plant (31.65), fresh and dry weight of root nodules/plant (119.94 mg and 23.98 mg, respectively), number of pods/plant (26.28), number of seeds/pod (9.39), pod length (8.17 cm), test weight (34.99 g), seed yield (1242 kg/ha), and straw yield (2,204 kg/ha) compared to the absolute control. These results were statistically on par with the T3 and T7 treatments, and the seed yield was found at par with T3 in the pooled analysis. Hence, the application of 50% N by FYM and 50% N by vermicompost, along with vermiwash spray, is highly effective mungbean yield in the South Eastern Rajasthan for enhancing.

Influence of organic sources of nutrient on mungbean performance in South-eastern Rajasthan

A field experiment was conducted during the Kharif seasons of 2022 and 2023 at the organic farming block of the Agricultural Research Station, Ummedganj, Agriculture University, Kota (Rajasthan), to study the effects of organic sources of nutrient on mungbean growth and yield in the mungbean-wheat cropping system of southeastern Rajasthan. The experiment included eight treatments: T1 , Absolute control; T2 , 100% N by farm yard manure (FYM) + cow urine @ 10% spray at 15, 30, and 45 days after sowing (DAS); T3, 100% N by FYM + panchagavya @ 5% spray at 15, 30, and 45 DAS; T4 , 75% N by FYM + 25% N by vermicompost + vermiwash @ 10% spray at 15, 30, and 45 DAS; T5 , 50% N by FYM + 50% N by vermicompost + vermiwash @ 10% spray at 15, 30, and 45 DAS; T6 , 75% N by FYM + jeevamrut @ 500 liters/ha at sowing + vermiwash @ 5% spray @ 15, 30, and 45 DAS; T7 , 100% N by FYM + NPK consortia of biofertilizers + Zinc solubilising bacteria (ZSB) each @ 62.5 ml/kg seed inoculation + amrita sanjeevani @ 500 liters/ha at sowing, 15 and 30 DAS and 75% N by FYM + NPK consortia of biofertilizers @ 62.5 ml/kg seed inoculation + sasyagavya @ 10% spray at 15, 30, and 45 DAS (T8 ). The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with 3 replications. The 2-years pooled results showed that the treatment T5 produced significantly higher values for plant height (54.62 cm), number of branches/plant (9.65), total number of effective nodules/plant (31.65), fresh and dry weight of root nodules/plant (119.94 mg and 23.98 mg, respectively), number of pods/plant (26.28), number of seeds/pod (9.39), pod length (8.17 cm), test weight (34.99 g), seed yield (1242 kg/ha), and straw yield (2,204 kg/ha) compared to the absolute control. These results were statistically on par with the T3 and T7 treatments, and the seed yield was found at par with T3 in the pooled analysis. Hence, the application of 50% N by FYM and 50% N by vermicompost, along with vermiwash spray, is highly effective mungbean yield in the South Eastern Rajasthan for enhancing.

Dietary Inclusion of Linseed (Linum usitatissimum) Oil on Fatty Acid Profile of Egg Yolk in Layer Chicken

Background: Linseed contains exceptionally high content of alpha –linolenic acid (18:3, n-3) considered as unique among oilseeds. Depending upon the hens feeding, the nutrient composition of eggs varies. Egg is considered as a good source of quality protein and holds several vitamins and minerals that are important parts of a healthy diet. Due to its high nutritive value with appropriate price, eggs are taking place in one of the most accepted food in the diet of human. Methods: A total of 156 numbers of 23 weeks age layer chickens (Inbrobrown) were randomly selected and divided into 4 treatment groups; having 3 replicates with 13 hens in each. The hens of control group (T1) were fed a diet containing no linseed oil. The hens of treatment groups T2, T3 and T4 were fed with a diet contained linseed oil at levels of 1.5%, 2.5% and 3.5 % respectively. Hens were fed the experimental diet for 18 weeks of experimental period (23 to 40 weeks of age). For fatty acid analysis 15 fresh egg samples per treatment were randomly collected at 30th and 40th week of age. Result: Dietary supplementation of linseed oil increased (P less than 0.01) omega 3 fatty acid and decreased the total SFA, MUFA and n6: n3 fatty acid ratio in egg yolk. Further, the hen day egg production was not affected by supplementation of linseed oil up to 3.5% although it lowered (P less than 0.05) the feed consumption. Production cost was highest in T4 group and lowest in control group. Hence, it is concluded that from the point of omega 3 fatty acid content and economics of production supplementation of 2.5 % linseed oil in the diet of laying hens can be recommended as production of omega 3 fatty acid enriched egg.

Impact of Microbial Inoculants and Additives on Rice Straw Composting

Rice straw is a lignocellulosic waste, which is recalcitrant in nature and contains high lignin content. A recalcitrant property provides resistance from natural degradation thus, decomposition of lignocellulosic waste becomes a difficult task. Composting of rice straw is a sustainable practice that benefits environment, agriculture and economy by turning the agricultural waste into valuable resource that might otherwise be burnt or left to decompose inefficiently. This study investigated the effect of different additives on composting of rice straw with combination of microbial consortium (bacteria and fungi). The addition of organic supplements (i.e., biogas slurry, rock phosphate and green waste) significantly raised the initial temperature of compost treatments, and microbial consortium accelerated lignocellulose decomposition during composting. Organic carbon was found to decrease in all the treatments with the progression of decomposition and least i.e. 29.50% was observed in treatment T5 [rice straw + biogas slurry + rock phosphate + green waste (4:1:1:1) + microbial consortium] at the end of composting which had initial organic carbon of 44.80%. A comparative increase in nitrogen content was observed in all the treatments with the commencement of decomposition. After 90 days of composting, treatment T5 contained the highest total nitrogen (1.36%) ultimately led to decrease in C/N ratio. Among all the treatments, T5 showed noticeably increased degradation rate of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin content. Moreover, humic acid in compost from T5 was also found to be highest (108 mg g-1). The use of additives seems to improve the stability of rice straw compost as well as use of microbial consortium was found to reduce the time of decomposition of substrates. The research findings will be helpful in optimizing the use of organic waste materials by turning them into nutrient rich compost more quickly and effectively.